Congressman Joseph Crowleyhttp://crowley.house.gov/rss.xml
enVice Chair Crowley Announces 2015 Art Competition for 14th Congressional Districthttp://crowley.house.gov/press-release/vice-chair-crowley-announces-2015-art-competition-14th-congressional-district
<p>(Queens, N.Y.) – Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, announced the start of the 2015 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in New York’s 14th Congressional District. The winning entry will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. for a full year beginning in June.</p>
<p><strong>“Each year, I encourage our youth to participate in our Congressional Art Competition because it’s a terrific opportunity for them to showcase their creativity and share it with thousands of people who visit the U.S. Capitol every day,” </strong>said Rep. Joe Crowley.<strong> “Our district has an impressive pool of young talent and I look forward to seeing all the dazzling submissions from our emerging artists.”</strong></p>
<p>The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide high school art competition that provides an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize artistic talents of their young constituents. Over 650,000 high school students nationwide have participated in the competition since 1982.</p>
<p>Entries for the competition are now being accepted and must be received by Rep. Crowley’s Queens district office by Monday, April 27, 2015 in order to be considered. Rep. Crowley’s Queens district office is located at 82-11 37th Avenue, Suite 402, Queens, NY 11372. </p>
<p>For more information, please visit <a href="http://crowley.house.gov/serving-you/art-competition">Rep. Crowley’s website</a>, the official <a href="http://www.house.gov/content/educate/art_competition/">Congressional Art Competition website</a>, or contact Rep. Crowley’s office at (718) 931-1400.</p>
<p><em>Congressman Crowley is the nine-term representative from the 14th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives. </em></p>
Thu, 26 Mar 2015 04:00:00 +0000914 at http://crowley.house.govAfter 3 Years and Tragic Massacre in Wisconsin, House Members, Advocates Welcome Federal System to Help Stop Hate Crimes Against Sikh, Hindu, and Arab American Communities http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/after-3-years-and-tragic-massacre-wisconsin-house-members-advocates-welcome-federal
<p align="center"><em>New System Will Track Hate Crimes Against These At-Risk Communities and Provide Resources and Training for Law Enforcement Agents </em></p>
<p>(Washington, D.C.) –Today, Reps. Joe Crowley (NY-14), Ami Bera (CA-07), Bill Pascrell (NJ-09), Mike Honda (CA-17), Grace Meng (NY-06), John Garamendi (CA-03) and Judy Chu (CA-32), along with leading advocacy groups, welcomed the inclusion of Sikh, Hindu, and Arab American communities in the Department of Justice’s hate crimes tracking effort. This is the final step in the long-fought effort to encourage the federal government to finally begin tracking and quantifying hate crimes against these at-risk communities. Recently, the DOJ and FBI updated its hate crimes database and FBI training <a href="http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/hate-crime-data-collection-guidelines-and-training-manual.pdf">manual</a> in order to start tracking hate crimes committed against these groups – that system is now fully operational.</p>
<p>The members led a three-year-long Congressional effort to encourage the Department of Justice and FBI to document hate crimes against Sikh, Hindu, and Arab Americans, spearheading numerous <a href="http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/crowley-over-100-members-congress-urge-stronger-action-protect-sikh-hindu-arab">letters</a> to the DOJ and FBI, introducing a Congressional <a href="http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/house-members-introduce-resolution-recognizing-contributions-sikh-american-community">resolution</a> in the wake of the tragic massacre in Oak Creek, Wis., and submitting <a href="http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/ahead-pivotal-advisory-board-hearing-congressman-crowley-submits-testimony-urging-fbi">testimony</a> urging action on hate crimes.</p>
<p>“Time and time again, we have seen vicious attacks on members of Sikh, Hindu and Arab American communities. Tracking hate crimes is more than just putting a number in a column – it means giving law enforcement agencies the resources and information they need to help prevent this kind of violence in the first place,” <strong>said Rep. Crowley</strong>. “This has been a long time in the making and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues and advocates in recognition of this significant milestone. This victory would not have been possible had it not been for the tenacious and tireless efforts of advocates and citizens across the country. We thank the FBI and the Department of Justice for hearing their concerns, as well as ours, and making these important changes that will go a long way in protecting Sikh, Hindu, Arab Americans, as well as many other communities, from hate crimes.”</p>
<p>“Since the September 11th attacks, too many Americans, especially Sikh, Hindu and Arab-Americans, have been wrongfully subjected to hate crimes and discrimination, including the shooting of two Sikh Americans in my own city. Religious tolerance is a fundamental value of our nation and we must do everything we can to prevent these crimes motivated by bias against a victim’s religious beliefs. That’s why I applaud the Department of Justice and FBI for their formal inclusion of Sikhs, Hindus and Arab-Americans in the FBI training manual and their new efforts to track crimes against these groups. I’ve been calling for these steps since I got to Congress because they’re important to confronting hatred and increasing public awareness about the crimes committed against often-targeted people. This is a big win for these communities, and a huge win for justice,” <strong>said Rep. Bera</strong>.</p>
<p>“Representing one of the most diverse districts in the nation, I understand that our strength is found in that very diversity, but only if we protect the rights of each and every individual,” <strong>said Rep. Pascrell</strong>. “We know that domestic, home grown terrorism remains a threat, yet several years ago some tried to downplay DHS warning about right wing radicals and hate groups who might be targeting certain immigrant communities. Just because you're Muslim, or a Sikh, or an immigrant doesn't mean you should have to live your life in fear.”</p>
<p>“I’m glad that the FBI’s newly updated Hate Crimes Training Manual includes specific information to help law enforcement agencies address hate crimes against Sikh, Hindu, and Arab Americans. The best tool for preventing these crimes is to find out how, when, and where they are occurring. Better data means better policies and better policing. Since 9/11, Sikhs, Hindus, and Arab Americans have been the unfair targets of many acts of violence. I applaud the FBI for taking steps to protect these groups, prevent crimes against them, and prosecute those who commit them,” <strong>said Rep. Honda</strong>.</p>
<p>“In 2013, I was among those in Congress who called for separate tracking of hate crimes against Sikh, Hindu and Arab Americans, and I’m pleased that the FBI has made it fully operational. This is an unfortunate, ongoing issue for these communities – where in just the last few months – an Islamic Center, a Hindu temple, two multiple Muslim families, and an Indian grandfather were all targets of hate. I hope that the community will feel more comfortable coming forward and reporting incidents so that we can track the true extent of this problem. I also want to applaud Congressman Crowley for his hard work on this issue,” <strong>said Rep. Meng</strong>.</p>
<p>“Our nation values freedom from fear. However, far too many people in communities across America, including Sikhs, are the targets of violence, bullying, and bigotry. By expanding the tracking of hate crimes, the Department of Justice, FBI, and civil rights groups can better understand and more effectively combat this hate. We must reaffirm our shared belief that every American deserves the opportunity to live out the American Dream,” <strong>said Rep. Garamendi</strong>.</p>
<p>“After 9/11, there was more than a 300% increase in hate crimes in California alone – mostly against Arab, Muslim, Sikh, and South Asian Americans. These are crimes of the worst kind that make entire communities fearful. The FBI’s recent updates to the hate crimes database to include these affected groups combined with its new training guidance will improve reporting and build a bridge of trust between law enforcement and these communities. These improvements will bring us one step closer to an America where all are welcome to raise their families in peace,” <strong>said Rep. Chu</strong>.</p>
<p>“Until now, Anti-Sikh hate crimes were not recognized by the FBI,” <strong>said Rajdeep Singh, Director of Law and Policy at the Sikh Coalition</strong>. “Year after year, Sikh Americans were being targeted for harassment and violence because of their distinct identity. For the first time, the FBI now officially acknowledges that Sikhs are targeted for being Sikhs. While refinements are needed to the agency’s tracking system and training standards, we are making progress.” </p>
<p>“The new FBI hate crime training manual is the sin­gle most impor­tant, most inclu­sive hate crime train­ing resource avail­able for law enforce­ment officials. We never would have gotten to this day without the leadership of Rep. Crowley and other Members of Congress – who have been so persistent and so tenacious in working on this issue. But even the best training manual is irrelevant unless it is used. We look forward to working with Rep. Crowley and other Members to promote programs and training for law enforcement officials to ensure that the new manual will be circulated widely and used,” <strong>said Michael Lieberman, Washington Counsel, Anti-Defamation League</strong>.</p>
<p>"The federal tracking of anti-Hindu, anti-Sikh, and anti-Arab hate crimes is an important, if long-overdue, development. Even as our community grows, Hindu Americans remain uniquely vulnerable to harassment, bullying, and violence. On this historic day, I'd like to remember Sunando Sen, a Hindu from Rep. Crowley’s home state of New York, who was murdered in a NYC subway station because of his faith. While this tracking comes too late for Sunando, it can help ensure that hate violence is combatted effectively in the future. The Hindu American Foundation looks forward to working with members of Congress, our coalition partners, and the FBI to build on this important step, and ensure that all Americans, regardless of their faith, can live safe and free,” <strong>said Harsh Voruganti, Associate Director of Public Policy, Hindu American Foundation</strong>.</p>
<p>“The release of the updated FBI Hate Crime Data Collection Guidelines and Training Manual, a reform Sikh Americans and SALDEF have advocated towards for half a decade, marks a step towards ensuring accurate reporting of hate crimes committed against Sikhs, an important step that will ultimately aid the Sikh community as we continue to address the roots of anti-Sikh bias. We appreciate the support and leadership of Rep. Joe Crowley and other members of Congress on this issue,” <strong>said Jasjit Singh, executive director of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund </strong>(SALDEF).</p>
<p>“South Asian Americans Leading Together commends the relentless efforts of the elected officials and fellow civil rights organizations at today’s press conference in ensuring that the FBI hate crimes training manual was updated to include Arab, Hindu, and Sikh categories. This is more important now than ever with the recent spike in hate violence targeting our communities. Our work ahead will be to ensure our communities are informed of these critical updates and are able to build trust with law enforcement so that hate crimes targeting South Asians, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Middle Easterners, and Arabs are appropriately documented and prosecuted,” <strong>said Lakshmi Sridaran, Director of Policy and Advocacy, South Asian Americans Standing Together </strong>(SAALT).</p>
<p>In April 2012, the group of members led a <a href="http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/congressman-crowley-leads-over-90-members-congress-urging-fbi-collect-data-hate-crimes">letter</a> signed by 93 of their colleagues urging the FBI and Department of Justice to begin tracking and documenting hate crimes committed against Sikh-Americans. Following the August 2012 <a href="http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/congressman-crowley-strongly-condemns-vicious-attack-sikh-gurdwara">attack</a> on the Sikh Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wis. the members spearheaded the <a href="http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/house-members-introduce-resolution-recognizing-contributions-sikh-american-community">introduction</a> of a Congressional resolution recognizing the contributions of the Sikh-American community and urging action on hate crimes<em>. </em></p>
<p>In March 2013, the group again led a <a href="http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/crowley-over-100-members-congress-urge-stronger-action-protect-sikh-hindu-arab">letter</a> signed by over 100 members of Congress to the FBI Advisory Policy Board to express strong support to begin tracking and quantifying hate crimes against Sikh, Hindu and Arab-Americans. Subsequently, the Advisory Board recommended that the FBI begin collecting this information. Two years later, the DOJ has formalized its hate crimes tracking mechanism and FBI training manual, used by law enforcement agencies across the country, to include guidelines for tracking hate crimes against Sikh, Hindu, and Arab Americans.</p>
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Wed, 25 Mar 2015 21:24:53 +0000913 at http://crowley.house.govCrowley, Fortenberry Urge Passage of Legislation Establishing International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/crowley-fortenberry-urge-passage-legislation-establishing-international-fund-israeli
<p>(Washington, D.C.) –Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) announced the reintroduction of the bipartisan International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace Authorization Act of 2015 (H.R. 1489). First introduced in the 113th Congress, the Crowley-Fortenberry legislation would establish a multi-national fund to support grassroots programs that promote peace and reconciliation in the region.</p>
<p><strong>“</strong>History has taught that no peaceful resolution may arrive, and certainly none will last, without seriously engaging the publics on both sides of the conflict,” <strong>said Rep. Crowley</strong>. “The U.S. has played a significant leadership role in fostering and supporting people-to-people relations around the world, and creating this fund would continue that effort. And, this kind of work can be an antidote to terrorism because it gives people who want to work together toward reconciliation a path to do so. I urge our colleagues to join us in supporting the establishment of this much-needed Fund.”</p>
<p>“Despite the difficulties and challenges involved in bringing about secure and sustainable peace in the Middle East, the United States has made strong bipartisan efforts over decades to help achieve this important objective,” <strong>said Rep. Fortenberry</strong>. “We must continue to foster relevant and constructive dialogue among Israeli and Palestinian communities. It is my hope that grassroots reconciliation efforts, however small, may spark renewed hope for the future.” </p>
<p>The International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace would promote people-to-people efforts to build peace through grants to scale efforts at the grassroots level. The Fund’s resources could assist with a wide array of programs, including education, sports, culture, cross-communal economic development, shared environmental programs, and bring youth from different communities to work together to develop a better understanding of Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian traditions.</p>
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Fri, 20 Mar 2015 14:19:42 +0000912 at http://crowley.house.govCrowley, Rooney Introduce AMP Act to Allow Music Producers to Receive Fair Payhttp://crowley.house.gov/press-release/crowley-rooney-introduce-amp-act-allow-music-producers-receive-fair-pay
<p>(Washington, D.C.) –Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, and Rep. Tom Rooney (R-FL) introduced the Allocation for Music Producers Act (H.R. 1457), legislation that would reform the way music producers receive royalties and helps to ensure those working in the industry are treated equitably. The AMP Act would amend federal law to improve royalty payments to producers and engineers. Crowley and Rooney are both members of the Recording Arts and Sciences Congressional Caucus.</p>
<p>“Much like a director’s role in a film, a music producer provides the overall creative direction of a song. As someone who has recorded a song or two in his lifetime, I’m familiar with just how integral producers and engineers are to the music industry,” <strong>said Rep. Crowley</strong>. “Making music is a team effort, and our AMP Act will ensure that every music professional receives what he or she has earned.”</p>
<p>“Without producers and engineers, the music we enjoy every day couldn’t make it from the recording studio to our radios and phones,” <strong>said Rep. Rooney</strong>. “Our bipartisan bill makes sure that hardworking studio professionals receive the royalties they earned in a fair and streamlined manner.”</p>
<p>In 1995, Congress passed the Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act (DPRA), allowing featured performers to collect a 45 percent royalty whenever a song on which they performed was broadcasted in a digital format. However, while performers receive a direct payment of the royalty, producers, engineers, and other studio professionals were not granted a statutory share of the individual song’s royalty. Producers can only collect their portion of the royalties through a contract established between the producer and featured artist called a “letter of direction.”</p>
<p>The AMP Act would, for the first time, give producers the statutory right to receive compensation for the recordings they produce through the letter of direction process. The legislation would put in place a permanent and consistent process to allow producers to collect the royalties they are due. In addition, the bill would establish a procedure for producers and engineers to seek permission from featured artists or their heirs to receive appropriate royalty payments for sound recordings older than 1995.</p>
<p>The AMP Act is supported by The Recording Academy, which represents more than 24,000 producers, engineers, artists, songwriters and other individual music creators, and by SoundExchange, the independent nonprofit performance rights organization responsible for collecting and distributing digital performance royalties to music creators and copyright holders.</p>
<p>“The Recording Academy is grateful to Representatives Crowley and Rooney for their support of this historic bill, and we thank our partners at SoundExchange as well. As the only organization representing all classes of music creators – including studio professionals – we are gratified to see the efforts of our Producers &amp; Engineers Wing supported by these leading legislators,” <strong>said Neil Portnow, President and CEO, The Recording Academy</strong>.</p>
<p>“SoundExchange applauds Representatives Crowley and Rooney for their introduction of the AMP (The Allocation for Music Producers) Act. The AMP Act will make it easier for producers and artists to ensure everyone involved in the creative process is paid for their contributions. For years, SoundExchange has proactively supported artist requests to direct royalties to the producers and engineers who work with them, and we fully support adding this practice to ensure fair payment into law,” <strong>said Michael Huppe, President and CEO, SoundExchange</strong>.</p>
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Thu, 19 Mar 2015 14:43:10 +0000911 at http://crowley.house.govCrowley, Chabot Again Call on Burmese Authorities to Immediately End Violent Attacks on Peaceful Students, Journalistshttp://crowley.house.gov/press-release/crowley-chabot-again-call-burmese-authorities-immediately-end-violent-attacks-peaceful
<p align="center"><em>Members Strongly Condemn Use of Violence Against Peaceful Demonstrators, Urge Burma to Release Detainees</em></p>
<p><em> (Washington, D.C.) – </em>Today, Reps. Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Steve Chabot (R-OH) released the statement below calling on Burmese authorities to immediately end their violent assault on peaceful students, journalists, and monks demonstrating in Letpadan, a town 90 miles north of Yangon. Last week, Crowley and Chabot <a href="http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/crowley-chabot-denounce-burma-s-violent-crackdown-peaceful-student-protestors">denounced</a> a violent crackdown on peaceful student protestors in Yangon. The protestors are calling for changes to new legislation concerning higher education in Burma. </p>
<p><strong>“We are horrified by the images of authorities attacking and beating peaceful protestors in Burma – in what appears to be an escalation of attacks over the past week. These actions taken by Burmese authorities and allegedly their hired thugs against peaceful students are despicable, and we condemn them in the strongest terms. Burma’s authorities must put an immediate end to violent attacks on students, journalists, monks and others who are peacefully protesting, as well as immediately release all those who have been detained.</strong></p>
<p><strong>“The violence we are seeing directed at young people in Burma runs directly counter to the pledges made by President Thein Sein to handle disagreements peacefully and to bring forth democratic reforms in Burma. We hope the United States and other nations go beyond earlier statements, speak out strongly and make it clear that these attacks must end immediately. Burma’s students are simply calling for a policy change, and they should not be treated as enemies.” </strong></p>
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Tue, 10 Mar 2015 20:19:43 +0000910 at http://crowley.house.govVice Chair Crowley Hosts 12th Annual Women’s History Month Celebrationhttp://crowley.house.gov/press-release/vice-chair-crowley-hosts-12th-annual-women-s-history-month-celebration
<p align="center"><em>Women leaders from Queens, the Bronx recognized for their outstanding contributions to local community</em></p>
<p>(Bronx, NY) – On Monday, March 9th, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, joined women from across New York’s 14th Congressional District at The New York Botanical Garden’s Stone Mill to celebrate Women’s History Month and honor the outstanding achievements of two women leaders in our local community: Elmhurst Hospital Center Director of External Affairs and Marketing Atiya Butler, and Westchester Square Business Improvement District Executive Director Lisa Sorin. A champion of women’s rights in both the U.S. and abroad, Crowley has hosted an annual Women’s History Month event every year since 2004.</p>
<p>“Women’s History Month is not just a time for us to celebrate the strides that have been made with respect to women’s rights but it’s also an opportunity for us to recommit ourselves to ensuring that there’s no limit to what women can achieve,” said Rep. Crowley. “Holding this event each year is important because we get to showcase powerful role models for the young women in our own communities. The successes of this year’s honorees remind our daughters that they can achieve anything they aspire to just as readily as their brothers can.”</p>
<p>“Women’s History Month is a recognition of the enormous sacrifices and accomplishments that have been made throughout the course of generations,” said Lieutenant Governor of New York Kathy Hochul, who was originally scheduled to serve as the event’s special guest and regretted not being able to attend. “We are reminded of those trailblazers who came before us to fight injustice wherever it existed. Their spirit is instilled in us today as women continue to reach for new heights. Now we must continue their legacy by finally shattering that glass ceiling and, in doing so, afford women full equality in our societal and economic lives.”</p>
<p>Throughout her career at Elmhurst Hospital Center, Atiya Butler has spearheaded projects designed to help working class and immigrant communities gain access to high-quality, affordable healthcare and promote preventative medicine. Committed to improving public health, she’s also developed and executed initiatives that have helped improve patient care in underserved communities throughout Queens.</p>
<p>“I am thrilled to have been recognized by Congressman Crowley during Women's History Month,” said Ms. Butler. “I am fortunate enough to be able to work in a field where I can make a real difference and help provide women and their families with access to high-quality healthcare. I know that helping the people of this community get access to that care is a goal that the Congressman Crowley has long championed, so I am deeply honored by the award.”</p>
<p>Prior to becoming the executive director of the Westchester Square Business Improvement District, Lisa Sorin served as president of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce – the first woman to hold that position. In both roles, she has worked hard to bring economic development to the Bronx and she’s worked closely with small businesses to get them the resources they need to thrive in today’s economy.</p>
<p>“I am humbled and honored to have been recognized by Congressman Crowley during his Women’s History Month celebration,” said Ms. Sorin. “As a mother of two teenage girls, I always have a story of challenges and successes to tell - not only to my daughters, but to other young women who are looking for role models to help them maximize their potential and become women that make a difference in their community. I thank Congressman Crowley for putting together this event and being such a great supporter on women’s issues.”</p>
<p>Attendees of the event were treated to musical performances by the Renaissance Varsity Voices of Renaissance High School for Musical Theater and Technology, as well as spoken word tributes performed by Preston High School students. The New York Botanical Garden Chief Operating Officer JV Cossaboom opened the program.</p>
<p>Women’s History Month is celebrated nationwide during the month of March. The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Weaving the Stories of Women's Lives.”</p>
<p><em>Congressman Crowley is the nine-term representative from the 14th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives. </em></p>
Tue, 10 Mar 2015 18:44:53 +0000909 at http://crowley.house.govSchumer, Gillibrand, Serrano, Rangel, Crowley Push to Rename Morrisania Post Office in Honor of Former Borough President and the First Puerto Rican Congressman in U.S. History, Herman Badillohttp://crowley.house.gov/press-release/schumer-gillibrand-serrano-rangel-crowley-push-rename-morrisania-post-office-honor
<p align="center"><em>History Maker Herman Badillo Served as Bronx Borough President &amp; Was First Puerto Rican to Serve as Congressman; Badillo Also Served as NYC Deputy Mayor under Ed Koch</em></p>
<p align="center"><em>Schumer, Gillibrand, Serrano, Rangel, Crowley Introduce Legislation to Rename Post Office in the Bronx After Herman Badillo</em></p>
<p align="center"><em>Lawmakers: Dedication of Morrisania Post Office Will Be a Lasting Tribute to Herman Badillo’s Steadfast Commitment &amp; Dedication to New York City</em></p>
<p>U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressmembers José E. Serrano, Charles Rangel, and Joseph Crowley today introduced legislation to rename the Morrisania Post Office, located in the Bronx, in honor of former Congressman and Bronx Borough President Herman Badillo. Badillo became the first Puerto-Rican city commissioner and borough president, and was the first Congressman to be born in Puerto Rico.</p>
<p>“As a proud native son of Puerto Rico, a product of the Bronx and a champion for all of New York, Herman Badillo exemplified the American ethos that you can achieve greatness and enact positive change regardless of humble beginnings and economic disadvantage and discrimination. While nobody can fill the void left by Herman Badillo, it is my hope that all those who enter this post office will be reminded of his incredible commitment to our city and our nation,” <strong>said Senator Schumer</strong>. “Through his intellect, fierceness of spirit and compassion, Herman inspired generations to believe that ‘Si se puede’ and naming the Morrisania Post Office after him is a fitting tribute to his legacy of work for civil rights, equal opportunity, education reform and more.”</p>
<p>“Herman Badillo was an inspiring advocate for all New Yorkers, and a role model for countless Puerto Rican-born Americans. He moved through life motivated by the desire to help the people around him, and throughout his decades-long political career, he repeatedly accomplished that goal. It is fitting that Herman Badillo’s name will now live on in public view at a post office in The Bronx, so that new generations of New Yorkers can continue to be driven to do great things by Herman Badillo’s legacy,” <strong>said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.</strong></p>
<p> “It is an honor to serve as the original sponsor of legislation in the House of Representatives to honor the life and legacy of the late Herman Badillo by renaming the Morrisania Post Office after him. Few people have been as important in shaping the history of the Bronx and in Puerto Ricans’ participation in local and state politics as Herman Badillo – a trailblazer and leader in every sense of the word. The Herman Badillo Post Office Building will help ensure his memory lives on for generations to come,” <strong>said Congressman José E. Serrano.</strong></p>
<p>"My great friend Herman Badillo was a fixture in New York City politics for nearly four decades, championing civil rights, jobs, housing and educational reform. Even after his passing, he continues to be a true testament to the American Dream," <strong>said Congressman Charles B. Rangel.</strong> "Renaming this post office in honor of Herman is a fitting way to preserve and honor his legacy in the Bronx."</p>
<p>“Herman Badillo’s contributions to the Bronx, the City of New York and our country as a whole, cannot be overstated,” <strong>said Rep. Joe Crowley</strong> (D-Queens, the Bronx). “Renaming the Morrisania branch of the U.S. Postal Service would be a fitting tribute for someone who was not only a trailblazer for the Latino community, but a champion for vulnerable communities everywhere. I thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congressmen Rangel and Serrano for all their efforts in making sure Herman’s memory and legacy are honored.”</p>
<p>“It is so heartwarming to see the outpouring of feeling and respect for my husband, Herman Badillo. Herman was an outstanding public servant and an inspiration to so many people. His story of coming from humble beginnings, being orphaned at a very young age and rising to the top to become the first Congressman of Puerto Rican heritage in the history of our country, is truly extraordinary. It is with enormous gratitude that I thank Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz for setting into motion the idea of naming the only federal building in the Bronx after Herman and the New York Congressional delegation; including Congressman Jose Serrano and Senator Charles Schumer for their support in this project,” <strong>said Gail Badillo</strong>.</p>
<p>Badillo was born in Puerto Rico in 1929. Badillo’s father, an English teacher, and mother passed away of tuberculosis at an early age. At 11 years old, Badillo moved to the United States , and later settled down in New York. In 1951, Badillo graduated with honors from City College and in 1954, was the valedictorian of his class at Brooklyn Law School.</p>
<p>In 1965, Badillo was elected Bronx Borough President and in 1970, Badillo was elected to Congress as a United States representative. Badillo spent seven years as a Congressman representing South Bronx. There, he fought for voting rights, programs to help inner cities, and bilingual education. In 1971, Badillo brought attention to an issue affecting Puerto Ricans; at the time, Puerto Ricans were not eligible for federal benefits under Social Security such as food stamps. As chairman of the CUNY board from 1999 to 2001, Badillo oversaw the end of open enrollment in senior colleges and higher admissions and graduation requirements. </p>
<p>The lawmakers today said that the Morrisania Post Office is a historical federal building included on the National Register of Historic Places, and it would only be fitting to honor Herman Badillo permanently at home in the Bronx.</p>
Tue, 10 Mar 2015 14:45:40 +0000908 at http://crowley.house.govVice Chair Crowley Statement on February Jobs Reporthttp://crowley.house.gov/press-release/vice-chair-crowley-statement-february-jobs-report
<p>(Queens, N.Y.) –Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement on the Department of Labor’s February jobs report which found that 288,000 new jobs were created and unemployment dropped to 5.5. percent:</p>
<p><strong>“For 60 months, we’ve seen consecutive private sector job growth – a strong, positive sign that our economy is making progress. While today’s numbers exceed many economists’ expectations, there is much more that can and must be done. Our top priority must be putting Americans back to work and ensuring the financial security of American families. House Democrats are working hard to enact policies that create jobs, boost paychecks, and encourage investment. The time has come for Congressional Republicans to abandon their reckless partisan agenda and instead join us in putting our economy and American families first.” </strong></p>
<p><em>Congressman Crowley is the nine-term representative from the 14th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives.</em></p>
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Fri, 06 Mar 2015 18:18:05 +0000907 at http://crowley.house.govCrowley, Chabot Denounce Burma’s Violent Crackdown on Peaceful Student Protestors http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/crowley-chabot-denounce-burma-s-violent-crackdown-peaceful-student-protestors
<p align="center"><em>Members Call on Burmese Authorities to Release Detained Students</em></p>
<p><em>(Washington, D.C.) – </em>Today, Reps. Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Steve Chabot (R-OH) released the statement below following news reports of Burmese authorities using violent tactics on peaceful students demonstrating in Yangon:</p>
<p><strong>“We are deeply dismayed after seeing photos of an apparent violent state crackdown on peaceful student demonstrators in Burma. This is completely inconsistent with a transition to democracy and President Thein Sein’s pledges to handle disagreements peacefully. The Burmese authorities must immediately release all detained students and pursue justice against those who carried out this crackdown.</strong></p>
<p> “We also urge the authorities to restrain from future crackdowns against students, farmers and others, who exercise their right to peaceful assembly.” </p>
<p>In 2014, Crowley and Chabot, along with Reps. Trent Franks (R-AZ) and Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) introduced the Burma Human Rights and Democracy Act, legislation that would prevent the United States from providing or expanding military assistance to Burma’s Armed Services until benchmarks on human rights and defense reforms are met by the Burmese military. These benchmarks include free and fair elections, reform of the military-dominated constitution, an end to human rights abuses committed against the Burmese people, and the establishment of civilian oversight of the armed forces. Ahead of President Obama’s trip to Burma last November, the group of m<em>embers sent a letter urging the President to make clear to Burmese authorities that failure to enact Democratic reforms and ongoing brutalities would jeopardize U.S.-Burma relations. </em></p>
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Thu, 05 Mar 2015 20:41:48 +0000906 at http://crowley.house.govVice Chair Crowley Statement on House Passage of Clean Homeland Security Funding Billhttp://crowley.house.gov/press-release/vice-chair-crowley-statement-house-passage-clean-homeland-security-funding-bill
<p>(Washington, D.C.) –Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement following passage of a long-term funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security that is clear of Republican anti-immigrant language:</p>
<p><strong>“After bringing our Homeland Security to the brink of a shutdown, I’m glad Republicans have finally realized the futility in refusing to protect the American people. Picking a fight with President Obama and jeopardizing the safety of American families was not only absurd, but it was downright dangerous. </strong></p>
<p><strong>“We have big challenges ahead of us and Democrats stand ready to work on behalf of the American people. It is time for Republicans to put an end to these partisan games once and for all and join us in enacting an agenda that creates jobs, boosts paychecks, encourages investment, and puts American families first.”</strong></p>
<p><em>Congressman Crowley is the nine-term representative from the 14th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives.</em>
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Tue, 03 Mar 2015 21:40:50 +0000905 at http://crowley.house.gov